How To Find A Job After Multiple Layoffs

A layoff can make it hard to find a decent job, and multiple layoffs greatly amplify this problem and can make a job search feel like an impossible task. Unfortunately, many job seekers are facing this reality on a daily basis.

Of course, the economy is very often to blame for this difficult situation. However, an employer is much more likely to see a problem with your application when layoffs are mentioned, regardless of whether a poor economy caused the job loss. Can you get an employer to ignore multiple layoffs and focus on your credentials and skills? Here are a few tips to consider …

Think About Taking On New Prospects

Whether you consider taking on new training to enhance your skills or even moving to a new area, there’s something to be said about considering new prospects when the old ones have fizzled out. Maybe losing two jobs in one city is a sign that the city itself is not the best place for employment in your field right now. You may need to consider looking at other states and cities to see if the job market’s improving or flourishing in another area.

However, if moving is not on your agenda, you might consider enrolling in some training courses for your field while you’re in between jobs. Try to find a course to take at a local career center, community college, or even on the Internet–you might even find some free courses. The point is that you want to find new ways to enhance your life while you’re looking for work. Even if you’ve had multiple layoffs, if you can show that you’ve got a developed set of skills and abilities, you’ll be very hireable.

Make Sure Your Resume is Spic and Span

When applying for jobs after having been laid off twice in a short period of time, you simply cannot afford to have any blemishes on your documentation, including your resume. Employers may understand that you’ve been laid off twice due to those companies’ economic struggles, but they may by default also look for personal flaws that prompted the company to choose you for termination, especially if it is still in business.

So as you write your resume, make sure to check for grammar, spelling and even font consistency. Get a few friends to check your resume over for mistakes and errors. Employers are going to be looking at every minute detail. Errors on your resume will need to be absolutely eliminated if you want any chance of getting a job in your chosen field.

Consider Innovative Marketing Techniques

Being laid off more than once sometimes requires that you work ahead of the curve when applying for jobs. For instance, you can start your own blog related to topics in your industry then email the link to recruitment agencies. A newsletter geared towards employers might be another good way to build your reputation. Get creative in finding ways to show what you offer the industry, rather than what skills you might lack.

Being laid off more than once can have a definite effect on your self-esteem. Remember that your state of mind is important, and try to stay positive–eventually, you’ll find a fine new job that will suit you well.